RUTH LAIR

Mrs. Ruth Lair, 93 of rural Lewistown, Missouri died March 10, 2021 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Born Clara Ruth Keller to Harvey Selves and Bessie Jane East Keller, May 19, 1927 at Tolona, Missouri on the family farm. She was the youngest of four daughters.

She was united in marriage to Wilber E. Lair on March 30, 1946 in Quincy, Illinois. He preceded her in death on October 3, 2008.

Ruth joined the Tolona Church at an early age and received her education at the Tolona School. On November 30, 1941 she moved with her parents to Quincy, Illinois. While there she worked at Davis-Cleaver and Monroe Chemical. Wilbur and Ruth had two sons, Jerry and Dennis Lair. In 1967 they moved to her great grandparent’s farm. Ruth loved the outdoors, working in the garden and her flowers. She enjoyed nature, mushrooming, just walking in the woods. As a child she spent many days fishing with her dad on the Fabius creek bank. He family was very dear to her, the grandkids her pride and joy. She also enjoyed phone calls from nieces, some lasting hours.

She is survived by two sons, Jerry (Vickie) Lair of Williamstown, Mo. and Dennis (Judy) Lair of Ewing, Mo.; three grandsons, Sean (Angie) Lair of Columbia, Mo., Trenton Lair of Fayette, Mo. and Ercil (Sherry) Lair of Holiday, Mo.; five great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Kevin, Brooke, Nicholas and Genevieve Lair; three step grandchildren, Stacie Thompson, Chad Zahn and Stefanie Collins; nine step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters, Pansy (James) Benner, Louvetta (Elmer) Brumbaugh and Annie (Ercil) Gaus.

Funeral services were held March 13, 2021 at Arnold’s Funeral Home in Lewistown, Missouri with Pastor Wes Davis officiating. Visitation was held prior to services. Pallbearers: Sean Lair, Trenton Lair, Ercil Lair, Kevin Lair, Jimmy Turner, Bill Rash, Jr. and Chad Zahn.

Burial was in the Durham Cemetery at Durham, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online condolence may be left at www.arnoldsfuneralhome.net